Music school hosts "Montana Music Event"

North Valley Music School presents “The Montana Music Event,” sponsored by Charles Schwab, and featuring the Mike Murray Band along with world-class Montana photography, on Friday, June 17, at 7 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Tickets for this family-friendly event are $10 and can be purchased in advance online at www.northvalleymusicschool.org or by calling 406-862-8074.

This event will feature popular local musician Mike Murray, performing his acclaimed song “Bury Me In Montana,” and other tunes performed with the Mike Murray Band. Students from the new North Valley Music School Glee Club will also perform with Murray during the evening. A professional photography presentation will represent the diverse beauty of Montana through a big-screen video montage and photography exhibition.

“Proceeds from this event will go toward supporting and expanding intergenerational music programs offered by North Valley Music School,” said Margery Fox, events chairperson for NVMS. “We believe this event will sell out, especially with stellar live musical performances and renowned photographers contributing their art. We invite the entire Flathead Valley community to join in this inaugural celebration of Montana’s beauty.”

Murray is a Montana-born singer, songwriter and guitarist, with three albums under his belt. During his concert tour, Murray has shared his love for Montana with fans across the U.S. and Europe. This Week in the Flathead and Whitefish Community Radio named Murray’s third album “Tumbleweed” as the 2015 Local Album of the Year. He is currently in production of his fourth studio album as the Mike Murray Band, with members Christopher Krager on bass, Marco Forcone on drums and Ryan Wickland on organ, guitar and pedal steel.

“Mike is the most promising singer/songwriter that I’ve been fortunate enough to see perform in Montana in recent years,” Christian Johnson, NVMS guitar teacher, said. “He’s got the talent, the looks, the voice and the personality that it takes to make it to the top of this business ... no easy feat these days.”

North Valley Music School is a nonprofit organization that serves 400 students annually through private lessons, classes and camps. The school relies on donations and grants to keep the doors open and provide affordable, quality music education for all.

For more information, visit www.northvalleymusicschool.org or call 406-862-8074.